Fort Kochi

Most definitely the most charming and incongruous place to Kerala, Fort Kochi is a delight. Made famous by the Chinese Fishing nets and the only Jewish Synagogue in the state, Fort Kochi has much more to offer.

It is one of the three sections that make up the city of Kochi, the other two being Mattancheri and Ernakulam. Cochin, the name is believed to have come from the word kochazhi meaning small lagoon, or it could mean 'like china' because of the way it was with the Chinese fishing nets. 

History of Fort Cochin 

Fort Cochin was gifted to the Portuguese in 1503 by the Kochi Raja after they helped him in a regional fight. They built a Fort at the waterfront to protect this territory- Fort Emmanuel, that was later destroyed. The first part of Fort Cochin comes from this Fort, and the place is still known by that name, even though there is no fort in existence there. Later in 1680s the Dutch captured this region, and in 1795 it came under the British rule.

What to expect at Fort Cochin

Fort Cochin is just a ferry ride away from the city of Ernakulam, but the entire place has a look and feel which is very different and quaint. It has a mix of Dutch, Portuguese, British, and Indian influences that are existing in parallel. Add to it the famous Chinese fishing nets here and the Jewish synagogue and Jewish Street. This eclectic mix is worth experiencing, it is like a little Pondicherry in itself. 

It is best to pick up a local map and to get around by oneself. 

Places of Interest In and Around Fort Cochin

Chinese Fishing nets/ Vasco da Gama Square

Chinese fishing nets or the Cheena vala are huge cantilevered fishing nets that have become a landmark of the Malabar Coast today. The nets were introduced between 1350 and 1450 by traders from the Court of Kublai Khan in China. The nets set up on teak wood and bamboo poles can be seen along the entire stretch of the coast and are mainly used during the high tide. 

Vasco da Gama Square offers the best view of these nets and capturing these nets during sunrise and sunset is any photographer's delight. 

Fort Cochi Beach

The beach is quite long a stretch and along the beach there are many colonial bungalows that reminds one of the bygone era.

Pierce Leslie Bungalow & Koder House

Pierce Leslie mansion is a mix of Portuguese, Dutch and Kerala architectural styles, a must see for architects. The Koder House clearly showcases the transition from colonial to Indo- European architecture.

Santa Cruz Basilica

This Roman Catholic Church near the St. France Church was built by the Portuguese. This church has a rich collection of paintings. 

The Dutch Cemetery

This cemetery has hundreds of tomb stones of the Europeans, a silent reminder to the many chapters of colonial history. 

The VOC Gate

This wooden gate was built in 1740 and bears the monogram of the Dutch East India Company.

St. Francis Church

Built by the Portuguese friars this is believed to be the first church built by the Europeans in India, it was originally built of wood but was later rebuilt with stone.Vasco Da Gama, the discoverer of the sea route to India, died in Cochin in 1524 and was buried here. His tombstone still lies in the church premises, though his mortal remains were moved to Portugal. 

Jewish Street and Jewish Synagogue

Built in 1568, this synagogue is the oldest in India. Near the synagogue you will see that most of the inhabitants are Jews. They speak Malayalam, and you take a while to get used to the fact that they are Jews speaking fluent Malayalam. 

Koonan Kurishu Chapel in Mattanchery

Dutch Palace, Mattanchery

It was built by the Portuguese and gifted to Kochi Raja, Veera Kerala Varma in 1555. Fine murals, royal costumes, palanquins and other royal items are exhibited here. It is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all days except Fridays and national holidays. 

Cherai Beach

Perfect for a lazy evening or a picnic, Cherai Beach offers splendid scenic beauty. 

Where to stay at Fort Cochin

Abad Fort Hotel, Luciya, Malabar House Residency Parade, Fort Garden Residency and Fort Heritage are a few hotels in Fort Cochin.

Walton Homestay, Chiramel Homestay, Vasco House, Tea Bungalow, Greenwoods Bethlehem and Bernard Bungalow are recommended homestays. 

Sui House is a Mahindra homestay and is recognised by Lonely Planet.

Where to eat at Fort Cochin

Dal Roti- Located on Lilly Lane., this is a place that is very popular for its authentic North Indian food. 

Chariot Beach Resort is also in Fort Cochin, they serve continental food. 

Tea Pot is a small tea shop, with loads of tea pots from different parts of the world making up its interior decor. 

Getting to Fort Cochin

By Air: The nearest airport is the Cochin airport at Nedumbassery is about 25 kms away.

By Rail: Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town are the major railway stations nearby. 

By Road: From Ernakulam there is a well developed network of roads. The KSRTC Central Bus Station is located near the Ernakulam Junction Railway Station. Long route private buses operate from High Court Junction, Railway Station and Kaloor Junction. 

By Ferry: Ferries are the main for of transportation connecting Fort Cochin to various other parts of Cochin. The main Ferry station is location near Ernakulam Railway Station and the other is near teh High Court. 

Motorised boats can be hired from the Sealord Jetty or from the small dock near the Main Jetty in Ernakulam.